The nurses union said it has started talks with the Health Ministry to extend community services and to address the problem of waiting lists at Mater Dei Hospital.

In the first meeting held, both sides discussed the nursing challenges in the operating theatres and surgical wards at Mater Dei.

The MUMN said the meeting was held after it issued a press release on Tuesday pointing out the need of a family health nurse. It said the lack of such a service meant patients discharged from Mater Dei often had to be readmitted after only a few days.